-
THE SHIVA PURANA
The Shiva Purana has twenty-four thousand shlokas. These are
divided into six samhitas or sections. The names of the sectiosn
are jnana samhita, vidyeshvara samhit, kailasa samhita, sanatkumar
samhita, vayaviya samhita and dharma samhit. Each samhita is
further subdivided into chapters (adhyaya). Jnana samhita has
seventy-eight chapters, vidyeshvara samhita sixteen, kailasa
samhita twelve, sanathkumar samhila fifty-nine, vayaviya samhita
thirty and dharma samhita sixty-five. The Shiva Purana was recited
by Vedavyasas disciple Romaharshana, alternatively,
Loma-harshana.
Romaharshana and The Other Sages
There were many sages who lived in a forest named naimisharanya.
One day, these sages accosted Romaharshana and said, Romaharshana,
you are blessed. You have taught us a lot, but we are still not
satisfied. You have had the fortune of studying under Vedavyasa and
there is nothing that you do not know, past, present or future.
Tell us about Shiva, we do not know very much about Shiva.
Romaharshana replied, I will relate to you that which you want to
know. And I am
-
not going to make anything up. Many years ago, the sage Narada
had wanted to find out about Shiva from his father, Brahma.
Whatever Brahma had instructed his son. I am going to relate to
you.
Brahma
At the beginning of creation, there was nothing in the universe.
The universe was not there either. It was only the brahman (divine
essence) which was everywhere. The brahman was neither hot nor
cold, neither thick or thin. It had no beginning and no end. There
was water everywhere. Lord Vishnu manifested himself in his great
form and slept on the water. While Vishnu was sleeping, a lotus
flower (padma) sprouted from his navel. It had many petals and its
stem shone like a thousand suns. From the cells of the lotus Brahma
was born. He began to wonder, There seems to be nothing around
except for this lotus. Who am I? Where did I come from? What am I
supposed to do? Whose son am I ? Who made me? Brahma thought he
might find the answers to these questions if he explored the lotus
a bit. Perhaps he ought to try and find the centre of the lotus.
Brahma descended down the stem of the lotus and wandered around for
a hundred years. But he could not find the flowers centre. He then
decided that he might as well go back to the cell from where he had
been born. But despite wandering around the stem for another
hundred years, Brahma could not find the cell. By then he was so
tired that he gave up and rested. Suddenly he heard the words,
Brahma, perform tapasya (meditation). Brahma meditated for twelve
years. When the twelve years were over, the four-armed Vishnu
appeared before Brahma. In the four hands Vishnu held a shankha
(conch shell), a chakra (a bladed discus), a gada (mace) and a
padma. Brahma didnt know who this person was and he asked, Who are
you? Vishnu didnt directly answer the question. Instead, he
replied, Son, the great Lord Vishnu has created you. Who are you to
call me a son? demanded Brahma. Cant you recognize me? came the
reply. I am Vishnu. It is from my body that you have been created.
But Brahma was not convinced. He began to fight with Vishnu.
The Linga
While they were thus engaged in fighting, a shining linga
(Shivas image) arrived on the scene. It seemed to have no beginning
or end. Vishnu said, Brahma, let us stop fighting. There is a third
being here now. What on earth is this linga? And where did it come
from? Let us try and find out what this is. You adopt the form of a
swan (hamsa) and go up. I shall adopt the form of boar
-
(varaha) and go down. Let us try and find the extremities of
this linga. Brahma agreed. He became a whilte swan and flew up.
Vishnu became a white boar and went down. They looked for four
thousand years, but could not find the end of the linga. So they
returned to where they had started off from and began to pray. They
prayed for a hundred years. After the hundred years were over, the
sound of om was heard and a being with five faces and ten arms
appeared before them. This was Mahadeva or Shiva. Vishnu said, It
is good that Brahma and I have been fighting. It is because of our
fight that you arrived. Shiva replied, We are all three parts of
the same entity and have been divided into three. Brahma is the
creator. Vishnu is the preserver and I am the destroyer. There is
another being named Rudra who will be born form my body, but Rudra
and I are really one and the same. Let Brahma create now. Shiva
disappeared and Brahma and Vishnu gave up their forms of a swan and
a boar.
Creation
There was water everywhere. In the water, Vishnu created a huge
egg (anda). He then himself entered the egg in his huge form.
Meanwhile, Brahma started to pray. From the powers of his
meditation he created several sages (rishis). Kardama, Daksha and
Marichi were among them. Marichis son was Kashyapa. Daksha had
sixty daughters and thirteen of them were married to Kashyapa. The
children of Kashyapa and these daughters became adityas (gods),
daityas (demons), danavas (demons), trees, birds, snakes, mountains
and creepers. Thus was the world populated. A being named Rudra,
who was none other than Shiva himself, was also born from Brahma.
Rudra lived on Mount Kailasa. Dakshas daughter Sati was married to
Rudra. But Daksha and Rudra did not like each other. Daksha
arranged a yajna (sacrifice) and he did not invite Rudra to attend
this sacrifice. Although Sati was not invited either, she went to
attend the ceremony . But Daksha insulted her so much that Sati
gave up her life in protest. This so angered Rudra that he sent his
companions to destroy the sacrifice, disrupt the ceremony, and kill
all the gods who had gone to attend it. This was done. But Rudra
was subsequently pacified and brought the dead gods back to life.
The sacrifice was completed. Sati herself was reborn as the
daughter of the mountain Himalaya and his wife Menaka. She was
known as Parvati and she was again married to Rudra or Shiva.
Tarakasura
There was an asura (demon) named Tara. Taras son was Taraka.
-
Taraka wished to defeat the gods. He therefore went to a place
named Madhuvana and began to perform very difficult tapasya. He
gazed at the sun and stood there with his arms raised. He stood on
one leg and that too, only on the toes of his feet. A hundred years
passed. For those hundred years, Taraka drank only water and had no
food to eat. For the next hundreds, he gave up that also and lived
only on air. A hundred years were spent in performing tapasya
inside water, another hundred years on earth and a hundred years
more inside fire. For a hundred years he performed tapasya upside
down, standing on his hands. And for yet another hundred years, he
hung upside down from the branches of a tree. The meditation was so
difficult that Brahma was pleased. He appeared before Tarakasura
and said, I am pleased with your tapasya. What boon do you want? If
you are pleased, replied Tarakasura, grant me two boons. The first
boon should be that no one created by you should be as strong as
me. The second boon should be that I should be killed only by
Shivas son. Shiva at that point of time had no sons. Sati had died
and although she had been reborn as Parvati, she had not been
married to Shiva. Brahma granted Tarakasura the two boons. The
demon went to a city named Shonitapura and began to live there. All
the other demons made Tarakasura their king. Thanks to the boon.
Tarakasura was so strong tha the easily defeated the gods. He
conquered the three worlds and drove the gods out of heaven. He
stole all their belongings and employed the gods as his servants.
The despondent gods went to Brahma and asked him to find a solution
to the Tarakasura problem. I cant, said Brahma. It is because of my
boon that the demon has become so powerful. Besides, my boon says
that Tarakasura can only be killed by Shivas son. Shiva has got to
have a son. He is now performing tapasya in the Himalaya mountains.
Parvati is also in that region. Do something so that these two fall
in love with each other and marry.
The Burning of the God of Love
The gods decided to follow Brahmas advice. But how could it be
ensured that Shiva and Parvati fell in love with each other? The
king of the gods was Indra and the god of love was Kandarpa or
Madana. Indra summoned Kandarpa. You have to help us, said Indra.
There is no other way out. Shiva is performing tapasya in the
Himalayas. Parvati is also in the region. Make sure that the two
fall in love. That is your job. Kandarpa went to the place where
Shiva was meditating. And as soon as the god of love appeared, the
place took on the traits of a spring which was pernnial. Flowers
bloomed and bees buzzed among the flowes. Cuckoos sang and fragant
breezes started to waft throught the forest. Shiva tried to
concentrate on his meditation. But
-
he kept getting distracted. While all this was going on, who
should arrive there but Parvati? She was so beautiful that Shiva
was smitten with love for her. Parvati also seemed to like Shiva.
But life is never simple. Shiva was, after all, Shiva. He realized
that something was wrong. How could his meditation have been
disturbed? How was it that the season seemed to be spring although
it had no business to be spring? When Shiva glanced around, his
eyes fell on Kandarpa who was hiding. He realized that it was
Kandarpa who was responsible for all this mischief. Shiva was
angered. He had a third eye in the middle of his forehead. From
this third eye flames sprouted and these flames burnt Kandarpa to
ashes. Kandarpas wife was Rati. When Rati saw that her husband had
been burnt to ashes, her grief knew no bounds. At first she lost
consciousness. When she recovered, she lamented, Woe is me. What is
going to happen to me? My husband, my love, where have you gone?
The gods and Rati sought out Shiva. They explained that it had been
no fault of Kandarpas. He had been asked to disturb Shivas tapasya
because of the Tarakasua problem. What would happen to Rati now?
Shiva replied, What has happened has happened. Nothing can be done
about kandarpa now. He will eventually be born in the city of
Dvaraka as Krishnas son Pradyumna. Rati will then be reuntied with
Kandarpa. But till such time, let her simply wait. The gods
dispersed, still despondent. The matter of Shiva and Parvatis
marriage had not progressed at all.
Parvatis Tapasya
But Parvati had fallen in love with Shiva and she didnt know
what she could do about it. She thought of Shiva all the time. One
day the sage Narada came and told her, Shiva is only pleased with
tapasya. Without tapasya, even Brahma and the other gods do not get
to see Shiva. Why dont you perform tapasya? Parvati decided to do
what Narada had asked her to. She asked her parents for permission.
Her father agreed with alacrity. Although her mother Menaka was not
at all keen that Parvati should perform difficult tapasya, she too
eventually agreed. Parvati gave up her jewellery and handsome
clothes. She wore deerskin instead. There is a peak in the
Himalayas known as Gouriskikhara. It is there that Parvati went for
her tapasy. The meditation was very difficult. During the monsson
Parvati meditated while seated on the ground. In the winter she
mediated under the water. Wild beats dared not harm her. All the
gods and sages assembled to see this wonderful tapasya. The gods
and the sages also began to pray to Shiva. Lord, cant you see that
Parvati is performing difficult tapasya? They asked. No one has
-
meditated like this before. No one will meditate like this in
the future. Please grant her what she wants. Shiva adopted the form
of an old brahmana (the first of the four classes) and appeared at
Parvatis hermitage. Parvati welcomed the old man and worshipped him
with flowers and fruits. Why are you meditating? asked the
brahmana. What is it that you want? I wish to have Shiva as a
husband, replied Parvati. You are indeed stupid. Said the brahmana.
That is like giving up gold for a piece of glass or giving
sandalwood for mud. Does anyone give up the water of the Ganga and
drink water from a well instead? Marry one of the gods instead, go
and marry Indra. Shiva is a stupid fellow. He has three eyes and
five faces. His hair is matted and his body is smeared with ashes.
He wears snakes as garlands. He is always accompanied by ghosts, He
has no clothes and no wealth. No one knows who his parent are. He
live sin the forst and his throat is blue with poison. I think you
are making a big mistake. Forget about Shiva and dont waste your
life. The brahmanas words angered Parvati. It is you who are
stupid, she said. You dont know a thing about Shiva. He is the lord
of everthing. You have insulted Shiva and cursed am I that I made
the mistake of worshipping you. You are again going to say
something nasty about Shiva. But before you can do that, let me go
away. I shall not stay to hear Shiva insulted. As Parfati was about
to depart, Shiva adopted his own form and said, Where are you
going? I thought that you were praying for me. You cant forsake me
now. I am not going to let you go. Ask for a boon. Please marry me
according to the prescribed rites, replied Parvati. Shiva agreed
and Parvati returned home.
The Marriage
Shiva called the seven great sages (saptarshis) and asked them
to go to Himalaya as his messengers. The message was that he wished
to marry Himalayas daughter Parvati. Himalaya was delighted to see
the sages and even more delighted to learn that Shiva wanted to
marry Parvati. A date was fixed for the marriage. The day of the
marriage dawned. Gandharvas (singers of heaven) sang and apsara
(dancers of heaven) danced. All the gods came to Kailasa to
accompany Shiva on the procession. Himalaya had also got ready. He
had built many gates in front of his house and had placed flags on
them. The beauty of Himalayas residence at that time is impossible
to describe. When the procession arrived at the residence, Parvatis
mother Menaka rushed out. Let me see Shiva, she exclaimed. Let me
see my son-in-law. My daughter Parvati has performed tapasya to
obtain Shiva as a husband. He must be exceedingly handsome.
-
The first person Menaka saw was Vishvavasu, the king of the
gandharvas. Vishvavasu was very handsome and, at first, Menaka
thought that this was Shiva. But when she was told that this was
only a singer who entertained Shiva, she thought that Shiva would
be more handsome. Then her eyes fell down on the handsome Kubera,
the god of wealth, and she thought that this had to be Shiva.
Kubera was more attractive than Vishvavasu. But Menaka was told
that this was not Shiva either. Then came Varuna, more attractive
than Kubera. But this was not Menakas son-in-law. Nor was her
son-in-law the great god Yama, handsomer than Varuna. The handsome
gods Indra, Surya and Chandra passed by. But Narada told Menaka
that these were not Shiva, they were simply Shivas servants.
Menakas joy knew no bounds. If these were the servants, what was
the master going to be like? She mistook Brahma, Vishnu and
Brihaspati for Shiva, and each time Narada told her that she was
wrong. Where then was Shiva? Finally Shiva came and Narada pointed
him out to Menaka. At the sight of her son-in-law, Menaka fell
unconscious. Shiva was surrounded by ghosts on all sides. The faces
were fierce, their complexions were dark and they made a tremendous
racket. Shiva himself rode on bull. He had three eyes, five faces
and ten arms. He was smeared with ashes and the moon adorned his
forehead. He was dressed in a tigers skin and a garland of skulls
hung around his neck. No wonder Menaka fainted. When she recovered,
she began to lament. She scolded Himalaya, Narada and Parvati for
her misfortune. Brahma, the other gods, and the sages tried to
pacify Menaka. But to no avail. I will not permit my daughter to be
married to Shiva, Menaka said. I will give her poison instead. I
will throw her into a well and kill her. I will chop her up into
pieces with a weapon. I will hurl her into the sea. I will kill
myself. I will get Parvati married to someone else. Not to Shiva.
Parvit resolved, I shall not marry anyone other than Shiva. Is a
jackal a fit replacement for a lion? Vishnu then tried to pacify
Menaka. But this did not succeed either. Fianlly Narada asked Shiva
to display his beautiful form and Shiva obliged. This form is
exhibited only to those who are very faithful to Shiva. Everyone
was charmed by this beautiful form, even Menaka. His body shone
like a thousand suns and a crown sparkled on his head. His clothes
glittered and the lustre of his jewels put the stars to shame.
Menaka begged forgiveness for her foolishness and now there were no
further obstacles to the marriage. Under Brahmas supervision, the
marriage ceremony took place and Shiva and Parvati returned to
Kailasa.
Kartikeya
-
Shiva and Parvatis son was Skanada or Kartikeya. When the baby
was very small, it got lost in some reeds. Six princesses
discovered the baby in the reeds and each wanted to bring up the
baby as her own son. All of them finally cooperated in bringing up
the body. These princesses were the Krittikas and the boy came to
be known as Kartikeya. The gods got to know from Narada that
Kartikeya had been brought up by the Krittikas. They came and
appointed Kartikeya their general. The army of gods then invaded
Tarakasuras city Shonitapura. A terrible fight raged for ten days.
The gods completely decimated the demons and Katikeya killed
Tarakasura. After the victory celebrations were over, Kartikeya was
restored to his parents.
Tipura
Tarakasura had three sons named Vidyunmali, Tarakaksha and
Viryavana. These three began to perform tapasya. For a hundred
years they meditated standing only on one leg. For a thousand more
years they lived on air and meditated. They stood on their heads
and meditated in this posture for yet another thousand years.
Brahma was pleased at this difficult tapasya. He appeared before
them and said, What boon do you want? Make us immortal, answered
Tarakasuras sons. I cant make you immortal, replied Brahma. I dont
have the power. Ask for something else instead. Very well, then,
said Viyunamali, Tarakaksha and Viryavana Grant us the following.
Let three forts be made. The first will be of gold, the second of
silver and the third of iron. We will live in these forts for a
thousand years. At the end of the thousand years, the forts will
become one. This combined fort will be called Tripura. And it
anyone can then destroy Tripura with only a single arrow, that
shall be the death destined for us. This rather unusual boon Brahma
granted. There was a danava named Maya who was very good at
building work. Brahma asked him to build the forts. The golden fort
was built in heaven, the silver one in the sky and the iron one on
earth. Tarakaksha got the golden fort, Viryavana the silver one and
Vidyunmali the iron one. Each of the forts was a big as a city and
had many palaces and vimanas (spaces vehicles) inside. The demons
populated the three forts and began to flourish. The gods did not
like this at all. They first went to Brahma, but Brahma said he
could not help them. After all, the demons had got Tripura thanks
to his boon. The gods then went to Shiva for help. But Shiva said
that the demons were doing nothing wrong. As long as that was the
case, he did not see why the gods wre so bothered. The gods then
went to Vishnu. Vishnus suggestion was as follows. If the problem
was that the demons were doing nothing wrong, the solution was to
persuade them to become sinners.
-
Out of his powers Vishnu created a man. This mans head was
shaven, his clothes were faded and he carried a wooden water-pot in
his hands. He covered his mouth with a piece of cloth and
approached Vishnu. What are my orders? he asked Vishnu. Let me
explain to you why you have been created, replied Vishnu. I will
teach you a religion that is completely against the Vedas. You will
then get the impression that there is no svarga (heaven) and no
naraka (hell) and that both heaven and hell are on earth. You will
not believe that rewards and punishments for deeds committed on
earth are meted out after death. Go to Tripura and teach the demons
this religion, which they are dislodged from the righteous path.
Then we will do something about Tripura. The being did as he had
been asked to. He and four of his disciples went to a forest that
was near Tripura and began to preach. They were trained by Vishnu
himself. Therefore, their teachings were convincing and they had
many converts. Even the sage Narada got confused and was converted.
In fact, it was Narada who carried news of this wonderful new
religion to king Vidyunmati. King, he said, there is a wonderful
new teacher with a wonderful new religion. I have never heard
before. I have got converted. Since the great sage Narada had got
converted. Vidyunmati also accepted the new religon. And in due
course, so did Tarakaksha and Viryavana. The demons gave up
revering the Vedas, they stopped worshipping Shivas linga. Vishnu
and the other gods then went to Shiva and began to pray to him.
When Shiva appeared, they told him that the demons had now become
evil and should be destroyed. They had even stopped worshipping
Shivas linga. Shiva agreed to destroy Tripura. Vishvakarma was the
architect of the gods. Shiva called Vishvakarma and asked him to
make a suitable chariot, bow and arrow. The chariot was made
entirely out of gold. Brahma himself became the charioteer and the
chariot was speedly driven towards Tripura. The gods accompanied
Shiva with diverse weapons. By then a thousand years had passed so
that the three forts had become a single Tripura. Shiva instilled a
divine weapon known as pashupata into his arrow and shot it at
Tripura. The arrow burnt up Tripura into ashes in a split second.
While the celebrations were going on, the shaven-heads religious
teachers arrived. What are we supposed to do now? they asked.
Brahma and Vishnu told them to go and live in the desert. The last
of the four eras was kaliyuga and in kaliyuga, evil would reign
supreme. When kaliyuga arrived, they were to come back and begin
their teaching afresh.
Sita and the Ketaki Flower
-
Romaharshana told the assembled sages, It is easy to please
Shiva. But Shiva must never be worshipped with a ketaki or a
champaka flower. Why, what is wrong with these flowers? asked the
sages. Let me tell you about the ketaki flower first, replied
Romaharshana. Ramas father Dasharatha asked Rama to spend fourteen
years in the forest. So Rama went to the forest with his brother
Lakshmana and his wife Sita. The three of them started to live on
the banks of the river Falgu. News reached the forest that
Dasharatha had died in their absence and a shraddha (funeral)
ceremony had to performed for the dead king. Rama sent Lakshmana to
a nearby village to get the necessary ingredients. Time passed and
Lakshmana did not return. Rama then went to get the ingredients and
look for Lakshmana. But Rama too did not return. It was almost noon
and the ceremony had to be performed before noon. In desperation,
Sita decided to perform the ceremony herself. She went and bathed
in the Falgu river and lit an earthen lamp. She then made the
offerings (pinda) to the dead ancestors herself. Immediately, a
voice was heard. Sita, you are blessed, it said. We are satisfied.
In utter amazement Sita watched some disembodied hands appear in
the air to accept the offerings. Who are you? Asked Sita. I am your
dead father-in-law, answered the voice. The funeral ceremony has
been successful. I have accepted your offerings. But Rama and
Lakshmana are going to believe me, said Sita. They will never
believe that such disembodied hands appeared out of thin air to
accept the offerings. They have to. answered the voice. You have
four witnesses. The first is the Falgu river. The second is the cow
over there. The third will be the fire. And the last one will be
the ketaki bush. Rama and Lakshmana returned and said, Cook the
food quickly. There is very little time left. We have to complete
the funeral ceremony before noon. Sita told them what happened, and
naturally, the two brothers did not believe her. They made fun of
her and suggested that she was lying. Sita called upon her four
witnesses, but each denied that it had seen anything. Without
arguing any further, Sita cooked the food and Rama made offerings
to his ancestors. A voice was then heard from the sky. Why are you
calling us again? it said. Sita has already satisfied us. I refuse
to believe that, said Rama. Indeed, it is true, retorted the voice.
Ask the sun god. The sun god confirmed that everything had happened
just as Sita had said it had. Rama and Lakshmana were ashamed that
they had doubted Sita and were also impressed with the power of her
virtue. But Sita cursed the four false witnesses. She cursed the
Falgu river that it would henceforth only flow underground. She
cursed the ketaki flower (pandanus odoratissimus) that it would
never be accepted by Shiva as an
-
offering. She cursed the cow that its mouth would henceforth
become impure. It had, after all, lied with its mouth. The hind
sections of the cow would however continue to be pure. And finally
Sita cursed the fire that it would consume everything
indiscriminately. That is the reason why a ketaki flower must never
be used to worship Shiva.
Narada and the Champaka Tree
Nor must a champaka flower be used.
In the land of Gokarna there was a temple dedicated to Shiva.
Narada decided that he would go and visit the temple. On the way,
he saw a flowering champaka tree and stopped to admire it. A
brahmana came there to pluck flowers from the tree. But seeing that
Narada was there, the brahmana refrained from plucking any flowers.
Where are you going? asked Narada. The brahmana lied and replied,
To beg some alms. Narada went to the temple. Meanwhile, the
brahmana plucked flowers from the champaka tree and placed them in
a basket that he covered up well. Narada met the brahmana again on
his way back from the temple. Where are you going now? He asked the
brahmana. The brahmana lied again, Home, he said, I could nt get
any alms. Naradas suspicions were aroused. He went to the champaka
tree and asked, Has that brahmana plucked any flowers? What
brahmana? replied the tree. I dont know of any brahmana. No one has
plucked any flowers. Narada went back to the temple and discovered
fresh champaka flowers lying there on top of the Shiva linga. There
was another devotee praying there. Narada asked him, Do you know
who came to worship with these champaka flowers? Yes, I do, replied
the devotee, It is an evil brahmana. He worships Shiva every day
with champaka flowers. Thanks to Shivas blessings, he has
completely brainwashed the king and has secretly been stealing the
kings wealth. He also oppresses other brahmanas. Narada asked
Shiva, Why do you encourage such evil? I am helpless, replied
Shiva. I cannot resist it if someone worships me with champaka
flowers. Just then, a brahmana woman came running with her tale of
woe. Her husband was crippled. But they had managed to get some
money from the king so that their daughter could be married. They
had also received a cow from the king. But the evil brahmana was
claiming that half of whatever they had received was his. It was
due to his good offices that the king had been so generous, he was
saying. The evil brahmana had already appropriated half of the
money. But how was a cow to be
-
divided? Narada then decided that something needed to be done
about the champaka tree and the evil brahmana. Apart from
everything else, the champaka tree was a liar. Narada cursed the
champaka tree that its flowers would never be accepted by Shiva as
an offering. He cursed the evil brahmana that he would be born as a
rakshasa (demon) named Viradha. But the brahmana had been a devotee
of Shiva. So the curse was qualified by the stipulation that
Viradha would be killed by Rama and would then again become a
brahmana.
Ganesha
The door to Parvatis place was guarded by two of Shivas
companions, Nandi and Bhringi. But Parvatis companions, Jaya and
Vijaya, didnt like this at all. They thought that there should be a
guard who would be answerable to Parvati rather than to Shiva. It
was Parvatis place, not Shivas. Moreover, Shiva was in the habit of
walking in at awkard moments, and Nandi and Bringi never stopped
Shiva. Jaya and Vijaya asked Parvati to do something about this.
Parvati took some clay of a pond and fashioned the clay into a very
handsome son. She dressed the son in beautiful clothes and
jewellry. He was named Ganesha. Parvati told Ganesha, You are my
son. Stand at the gate and do not allow anyone to enter. Ganesha
picked up a rod and began his duty as sentry. Parvati went to have
a bath. Soon Shiva turned up with his companions. Where are you
going? asked Ganesha. You cannot pass. My mother is having her
bath. I am Shiva, answered Shiva. Who is Shiva? retorted Ganesha. I
dont know of any Shiva. You cannot go in. Shiva tried to ignore
Ganesha and enter, but Ganesha started to beat Shiva with the rod.
Shiva then asked his companions to remove this upstart. But they
only got thrashed by Ganesha in the process. Nandi tried to grasp
one of Ganeshas legs and Brhringi the other. But Ganesha uprooted a
wooden door and beat them so hard that they fled. The gods and the
sages all came to see what the uproar was about. Shiva told Brahma,
Why dont you try to pacify that creature? Brahma advanced to reason
with Ganesha. But Ganesha didnt know Brahma; he thought that this
was another one of Shivas companions. He therefore grabbed Brahma
and tore off Brahmas beard by the handful. Brahma fled in pain.
This had become a matter where Parvati felt her pride to be at
stake. So she kept Ganesha supplied with weapons. The gods attacked
Ganesha with all sorts of weapons. He drove them back. Vishnu told
Shiva, This fellow can only be killed with some trickery.
Otherwise, he seems to be invincible. Ganesha flung a mace at Visnu
and hurt him considerably. He struck down Shivas
-
bow with another mace. Vishnu and Ganesha then began to fight,
with the sudarshana chakra being used by Vishnu and maces by
Ganesha. While this duel raged, Shiva crept up stealthily from
behind and cut off Ganeshas had with his trishula (trident). This
was the trickery that Vishnu had planned for. When Parvati learnt
of Ganeshas death, her ire was roused. She got ready to destroy the
universe and everyone was alarmed. Narada was sent to Parvati as a
messager. He was to try and pacify Parvati. But Parvati agreed to
relent only if two conditions were satisfied. The first condition
was that Ganesha should be brought back to life. The second
condition was that Ganesha should be accepted as a god and should
enjoy all divine rights. These conditions wre readily accepted.
Ganeshas headless body was cleaned and bathed. But the head could
not be found. It had been lost in the heat of the battle. Shiva
sent his companions out with the head of the first living being
that they saw. This happened to be an elephant with one tusk. The
elephants head was stuck onto Ganeshas body and Brahma, Vishnu and
Shiva combined their powers to bring back life to the dead body.
Shiva accepted Ganesha as his son. He also made Ganesha the lord of
all his companions, the ganas. That is why the elephant-god is
called Ganapati. It was also decreed that worship to any god would
be useless unless it was preceded by prayers to Ganesha. Chaturthi
tithi is the fourth lunar day. Krishnapaksha is that part of the
lunar fortnight during which the moon wanes. Since Parvati created
Ganesha in the month of Kartika and on chaturthi tithi in
krishnapaksha, that is the day on which Ganapati is worshipped.
Ganesha and Kartikeya Quarrel
Shiva and Parvati had two sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya. Both sons
wanted to get married. And Shiva and Parvati found it difficult to
decide who should be married first. The other one was bound to feel
hurt. Both the sons were equally dear to them. They decided to have
a test. They called Ganesha and Kartikeya to them and said, We have
devised a competition. Both of you have to travel around the world
and return here. Whoever returns first will be married first. That
should be fair and square. As soon as these words were out,
Kartikeya dashed out on his journey. But Ganesha tarried and
pondered. He realized that this was a task that was impossible for
him to accomplish. He found it difficult enough to travel a couple
of miles. Ganesha found a solution. First, he bathed. Then, he made
Shiva and Parvati sit on two seats. He worshipped them and circled
them seven times. After he finished circling them. Ganesha said,
Now please make arrangements for my wedding. What do you mean,
exclaimed Shiva and Parvati. Didnt you hear what we said? We
-
asked the two of you to travel around the world and come back.
Youd better hurry. Kartikeya has already left. If you dont take
care, he will beat you to it. But I have already been round the
world seven times, replied Ganesha. Havent I circled the two of you
seven times? The Vedas say that circling ones parents is the same
thing as circling the world. If you do not wish to argue that the
Vedas are wrong, then you have to agree that I have circled the
world seven times. Shiva and Parvati could not very well argue that
the Vedas were wrong. They therefore had to accept Ganeshas logic.
Arrangements were made for his wedding. Vishvarua, the son of
Kashyapa, had two daughters named Siddhi and Buddhi. These two were
married to Ganesha with a lot of fanfare. Ganesha and Siddhi had a
son named Laksha and Ganesha and Buddhi had a son named Labha.
Kartikeya returned to Kailasa after traveling around the world and
discovered that Ganesha was already married and was already the
proud father of two children. He heard the entire story from Narada
and felt that he had been cheated. He decided that he would no
longer live with his parents. He also decided that he would never
marry. That is the reason why Kartikeya is called Kumara, someone
who is married. Kartikeya began to live on Mount Krouncha. Shiva
goes to visit him there on the day of the newmoon (amavasya) and
parvati goes to visit him on the day of the moon (purnima).
Linga
A linga is an image of Shiva. There are several lingas.
Whichever is the place where devotees congregate, there Shiva
manifests himself in the form of a linga. However, there are twelve
important lingas and these are known as jyotirlingas are Somanatha,
Mallikarjuna, Mahakala, Omkara, Kedara, Bhima-shankara,
Vishvanatha, Trymbaka, Vaidyanatha, Nagesha, Rameshvara and
Ghushnesha.
Nandikeshvara Tirtha
A tirtha is a place of pilgrimage. At a tirtha named
Nandikeshvara, there is a famous Shiva linga. In a city named
Karnaki there used to live a brahmana. He left his two sons with
his wife and went to visit the city of Varanasi. It was then learnt
that the brahmana had died in Varanasi. His widow brought up her
sons and eventually married them off. She became old and it was
time for her to die. But death would not come. It seemed to the
sons that their mother was hankering after something and would not
die until her wish had been satisfied. Mother, they asked, What is
it that you want? I have always wanted to visit the tirtha of
Varanasi, the mother replied. But now I am going to die without
ever visitng the place. Promise me that when I am dead, you will
take my ashes to Varanasi and throw them into the river Ganga
there.
-
We will, said the sons. You can die inpeace. The mother died and
the sons performed her funeral ceremony. Then the eldest son,
Suvadi, set out for Varanasi with his mothers ashes. The way was
long and he stopped to rest and spend the night in a brahmanas
house. A cow was tied in front of the house and it was time for
milking. Suvati saw that when the brahmana tried to milk the cow,
the calf would not permit the milking and kicked the brahmana. The
brahmana then hit the calf with a stick. The brahmana went away
after the milking. But Suvadi was still there and and he heard the
cow tell her calf, I am distressed that the brahmana struck you.
Tomorow I am going to gore the brahmanas son to death. Next day,
the brahmanas son came to do the milking. The cow gored him with
horns so that he died. Bu this meant that the cow had committed the
sin of killing a brahmana. Immediately, because of the sin, the
while cow turned completely black. The cow left the house. Suvadi
followed, amazed at this strange sight. The cow went to the banks
of the river Narmada, to the place named Nandikeshvara. She bathed
in the river and became white once again. This meant that the sin
of killing a brahmana had been completely washed away. Suvadi
marvelled at this and realized what a powerful tirtha Nandikeshvara
was. He was about to leave for Varansi after bathing in the river
himself, when he was accosted by a beautiful woman. Where are you
going, Suvadi? asked the woman. Throw your mothers ashes in the
river here. This is a far greater tirtha than Varanasi. Who are
you? asked Survadi. I am the river Gangaa, came the reply. The
woman vanished and Suvadi did as he had been bidden. As soon as he
had done this, his dead mother appeared in the sky and told him
that she was immensely gratified. She would now go straight to
heaven. Nandikeshvara is a wonderful tirtha because a brahmana
woman named Rishika had earlier performed very difficult tapasya
there to please Shiva.
Atrishvara Tirtha
There was a forest named Kamada. It did not rain there for a
hundred years. The leaves dried up and the dwellers of the forest
started to suffer. The sage Atri decided that he would meditate to
try and bring the rains. Atris wife was Anasuya and she thought
that she might as well perform tapasya together with her husband.
Both of them started to pray to Shiva and it was very difficult to
decide whose tapasya was the more difficult. Fifty-four passed and
they meditated without eating or drinking anything. Atris
meditation was finally over and he felt thirsty. He therefore asked
his wife to go and fetch some water so that he might quench his
thirst. While Anasuya was going
-
to fetch the water, the river Gang appeared before her. I am
pleased with your tapasya, said Ganga. What boon do you desire? If
you are pleased with me, replied Anasuya, please make a pond here
and fill the pond with your water. Ganga obliged. Anasuya filled
her water-pot from the pond and brought the water to her husband.
Atri drank the water and found that it was far tastier than the
water they were used to. When he asked Anasuya why this was so, she
told him what happened. Both husband and wife came back to the
pond. Anasuya had earned a lot of punya (store of merit) thanks to
her tapasya. Ganga agreed to stay on provided Anasuya handed over
to Ganga whatever punya she had acquired in one year of tapasya.
This conditon Anasuya agreed to. Meanwhile, Shiva appeared and
offered to grant Anasuya a boon. Anasuya desire the boon that Shiva
would always be present in that forest. Shiva consented. This
sacred place is known as Atrishvara tirtha.
Chandra and Somanatha
Twenty-seven of Dakshas daughters were married to the moon-god
Chandra. One of these wives was named Rohini and Chandra loved
Rohini more than he loved the other wives. The other wives felt
neglected and they complained to their father. Daksha repeatedly
warned his son-in-law to devote himself equally to all twenty-seven
wives. But Chandra was in no mood to listen. Daksha thereupon
cursed Chandra that he would gradually fade away. Chandra didnt
know what to do. He went and sought advice from Brahma and Brahma
told him that the only rescourse was to pray to Shiva. Chandra went
to Prabhasa tirtha and made a linga on the banks of the river
Sarasvati. He prayed to Shiva for six months. At the end of the
tapasya Shiva appeared before Chandra and offered to grant him a
boon. Chandra explained what the problem was. Well, said Shiva,
Dakshas curse cannot be entirely ignored. Let us have a compromise.
During krishnapaksha you will wane. And during shuklapaksha (the
bright part of the lunar fortnight) you will wax. That should
satisfy everybody. Chandra was delighted. The linga to which
Chandra prayed is Somantha, the first of the jyotirlingas. Shiva is
always present at that tirtha.
Mallikarjuna
What about the second jyotirlinga. Mallikarjuna?
You already know that Kartikeya felt cheated when Ganesha got
married. He decided that he would not live with Shiva and Parvati
any longer, and began to live on the mountain Krouncha. Parvati was
miserable that her son had left her. She sent gods, sages,
gandharvas and
-
apsaras to bring her son back. But Kartikeya would not return.
Shiva and Parvati then went to visit Kartikeya themselves, but
Kartikeya would not let them get too close. Shiva and Parvati
started to live at a place that was about six miles away from where
their son was living. They are always there, so as to be near their
son. This place is known as Mallikarjuna.
Dushana and Mahakala
The third of the jyotirlingas is Mahakala.
The city of Avanti is on the banks of the river Kshipra
(Shipra). A brahmana named Vedapriya used to lived in the city of
Avanti. He used to worship Shiva everyday and he had brought up his
four sons to do the same. These sons were named Devapriya,
Priyamedha, Suvrita and Suvrata. Not very far away, on a hill named
Ratnamala, there used to live an asura named Dushana. Dushana was
evil, he could not stand the idea of the Vedas being read and the
religion prescribed in them followed. He went about destroying this
righteous religon wherever he could. Dushana got to know that in
the city of Avanti there lived four brahmanas who followed the
righteous religion and worshipped Shiva. These were Devapriya,
Priyamedha, Suvrita and Suvrata. Their father Vedapriya had died by
then. Dushana and his cohorts came and attacked the city of Avanti.
They threatened to kill the four brahmanas, but the brothers were
not at all perturbed. They continued to pray to Shiva. They bowed
in obeisance before the linga. Suddenly a tremendous sound was
heard and a pit appeared in the ground in front of the linga. Shiva
himself appeared in this pit. Dushana was burnt into ashes from the
force of Shivas roar. And Shiva put all of Dushanas soldiers to
flight. The brahmanas prayed that Shiva might always be present at
that place and Shiva agreed. This is the place that is known as
Mahakala.
Vindhya and Omkara
The fourth of the jyotirlingas is Omkara.
Narada had once gone on a visit to the mountain Vindhya. Vindhya
worshipped Narada. But because Vindhya was slightly proud, he also
said. I am full of all the desirable objects that one can think of.
Perhaps, replied Narada. But Mount Sumeru is superior to you,
becaue the gods are always there. Vindhya decided to become the
equal of Sumeru. He began to pray to Shiva. For six months he
prayed. When Shiva appeared, Vindhya desired that Shiva might
always
-
be present there so that he might become the equal of Sumeru.
The linga that Vindhya worshipped as called Omkara.
Naranarayana and Kedara
The fifth of the jyotirlingas is Kedara. In one of Vishnus
incarnations, he revealed himself as the two sages, Nara and
Narayana. These two sages prayed for a long time in the hermitage
known as vadrikashrama. Near this hermitage there was a peak of the
Himalayas named Kedara. After the two sages had prayed to Shiva for
a very long time, Shiva appeared and said, I dont understand why
the two of you worshipping me. It is you who should be worshipped.
But since you have been praying to me, let me grant you a boon.
Nara and Narayana desred that Shiva should always be present in the
form of a linga on the peak Kedara.
Bhimashankara
The sixth of the jyotirlingas is Bhimashankara.
You know about Rama and Ravana from the Ramayana and you also
know that Rama killed not only Ravana, but also his brother
Kumbahakarna. A rakshasa woman named Karkati used to live on the
mountains named Sahya. Karkati had been married to Kumbhakarna and
her son was named Bhima. One day, Bhima asked Karkati, Mother,
whose son am I? Why do we live alone in this forest? Karkati said,
Let me tell you my sad story. I used to be married to the rakshasa
Viradha. But Rama killed Viradha. Later on, Kumbhakarna came and
married me here and you were born. Kumbhakarna had promised to take
me to Lanka. But he was killed by Rama and I never got to see
Lanka. That is the reason we live here alone. We have nowhere else
to go. Bhima was very sorry to hear this story. He resolved to
avenge himself on Vishnu because he knew that Rama had been an
incarnation of Vishnu. For a thousand years he prayed to Brahma
with his hands raised up to the sky. When Brahma appeared, Bhima
wished for the boon that he might become very strong. This boon
Brahma granted. The first target of Bhimas attention was the king
of Kamarupa. The kings crime was that he was devoted to Vishnu.
Bhima attacked the king, stole all his belongings, conquered his
kingdom and imprisoned him and his wife. He then proceeded to
conquer the rest of the world. In their prison, the king and his
wife started to pray to Shiva. This news was brought to Bhima by
the rakshasa guards and Bhima decided to kill the king. He found
the king praying before a Shiva linga. When Bhima raised his sword
to cut off the the kings head, Shiva appeared from the linga and
repelled the sword with his trident.
-
Bhima flung a spear at Shiva, but this too was driven back by
the trident. Whatever weapon was used by Bhima, Shivas trident
destroyed them all. Finally, Shiva killed Bhima and all his
rakshasa cohorts. The gods were gratified and they craved that
Shiva might always remain in the place in the form of the
linga.
Vishvanatha and Varanasi
The seventh of the jyotirlingas is named Vishvanatha and it is
located in the cityof Varanasi or Kashi.
Varanasi is a very sacred place. Brahma himself performed
difficult tapasya there. So difficult was the tapasya that Vishnu
shook his head in disbelief. When Vishnu shook his head, a jewel
(mani) fell down from Vishnu ear (karna). The place where the jewel
fall is known as Manikarnika and it is a famous tirtha. Varanasi is
not destroyed when the rest of the world is destroyed. Shiva
himself raises it on the point of his trident and protects it while
destruction rages all around. When the world is re-created. Shiva
replaces Varanasi to its appointed place. Shiva and Parvati once
went to visit Brahma. Brahma began to chant hymns in Shivas praise
with all of his five mouths. One of the mouths however made
mistakes in the pronunciation of the hymns. This angered Shiva and
Shiva severed the offending head with a gaze of his third eye. But
this effectively amounted to the killing of a brahmana and Shiva
committed a crime. The severed head therefore got stuck to Shivas
back would would not come off, no matter where Siva went. But when
Shiva arrived in Varanasi, the head fell off his back. Shiva
realized that Varanasi was a special place and he resolved that he
would always be present there.
Goutama and Trymbaka
Towards the south of the country there was a mountain named
Brahmaparvata. There the sage Goutama and his wife Ahalya performed
tapasya for ten tousand years. While they were meditating, there
were no rains in the forest for a hundred years and there was a
shortage of water. Living beings died from the drought. Goutama
prayed to Varuna, the god of the ocean and the rain. Varuna
appeared and offered to grant a boon. Please grant the boon that it
might rain, said Goutama. I cant do that, replied Varuna. That is
beyond my powers. Ask for something else instead. Then let us have
a pond in the forest that will always be full of water, said
Goutama. This was within Varunas powers and the pond was created.
The other sages also began to use water from this pond. Normally,
Goutama sent his disciples to fetch
-
water. But the disciples complained that the wives of the other
sages did not let them take the water. So Ahalya herself started to
fetch the water. The wives of the other sages annoyed and pestered
Ahyalya, but she never reacted. These wives then complained to
their husbands about Ahalya and Goutama. At first the sages did not
listen, but eventually, they were convinced that Ahalya and Goutama
were wicked. They therefore sought to devise a plan so that these
two might punished. They began to pray to Ganesha. When Ganesha
arrived, the sages said, Please grant us the boon that Goutama and
Ahalya might be banished from the hermitage. Although Ganesha
realized that this was an unfair boon, he decided to grant it
because he realized that the sages and their evil wives needed to
be punished. Goutama had some fields of paddy and grain. Ganesha
adopted the form of a lean and starving cow and began to eat up the
crop. Goutama tried to drive away the cow with a blade of grass.
But as soon as he struck the cow with the blade of grass, the cow
fell down and died. This was a terrible calamity. It was the
killing of a cow. The other sages banished Goutama and Ahalya from
the hermitage. They had to set up an ashrama (hermitage) that was a
fair distance away. The other sages completely disassociated
themselves from Goutama and Ahalya. Goutama began to think of ways
of performing prayashchitta (penance) for the crime that he had
committed. The other sages told him that he would first have to
travel around the world. After that, he would have to pray very
hard for an entire month. The next task was to circle Brahmaparvata
a hundred times and bathe in a hundred pots of water. This would
complete the penance. All this Goutama and Ahalya did. They also
prayed for a long time to Shiva. Shiva appeared before them and
offered them a boon. Goutama desired the boon that the river Ganga
might always be present in the hermitage. Ganga said that she would
agree subject to the condition that Shiva and Parvati were also
always present in the hermitage. Parvati and Shiva agreed to do
this. This established Trymbaka, the eighth of the jyotirlingas.
The river Ganga which flowed there came to be known as the
Godavari. So Trymbaka is on the banks of the Godavari. What
happened to the evil sages and their wives? Goutama asked that they
might be pardoned. They performed penance by circling Brahmaparvata
one hundred and one times, and begged forgiveness from Goutama and
Ahalya.
Ravana and Vaidyanatha
The ninth of the jyotirlingas is named Vaidyanatha.
Ravana, the king of the rakshasas, meditated in the Himalayas so
as to please Shiva. First he prayed on Mount Kailasa, but Shiva did
not appear. He then went to a place named Vrikshakhandaka which was
a little towards the south. He prayed there, but
-
Shiva did not appear. Ravana next dug a pit in the earth and
started to pray inside the pit. He established a Shiva linga inside
the pit. Shiva still not appear. Ravana therefore decided that he
would immolate himself. Ravana, as you know, had ten heads. He lit
a fire and severing his heads, began to offer them one by one to
the fire. When nine of the heads had thus been offered, Shiva
appeared. Enough is enough, said Shiva. What boon do you want?
Please grant me the boon that I may be very strong. And please
restore my nine heads, replied Ravana. These boons Shiva granted
and the place where Ravana prayed is known as Vaidyanatha. The gods
were not at all happy that Ravana had become so strong. They were
afraid tha the rakshasa might start to oppress them. They therefore
sent Narada to create some mischief. Narada met Ravana and asked
him why he was looking so happy. Ravana related the story of the
boon. Boon, exclaimed Narada. Who believes in Shiva? Let me see if
you can lift up Mount Kailasa. If you can do that, I shall indeed
believe that you have become strong. Incited by Narada, Ravana
returned to Kailasa and lifted up the mountain. As the mountain
shook, Shiva and Parvati were disturbed. Shiva cursed Ravana that
soon a being would be born who would kill Ravana. This being was of
course Rama, Vishnus incarnation.
Nagesha
The tenth of the jyotirlingas is named Nagesha.
There used to be a rakshasa name Daruka. His wife was named
Daruki. They lived in a forest on the banks of the western sea.
Parvati had granted Daruki the boon that wherever Daruki went, the
forest would follow. Using this forest as a base, Daruka and Daruki
began to oppress the world. They destroyed the yajnas and killed
all the righteous people. In desperation, the survivors went to a
powerful sage named Ourva. They told Ourva that he alone could save
the world from the depredations of these rakshasas. Ourva cursed
the rakshasas that if they committed any violence on earth, they
would immediately die. As soon as the gods got to know about this
curse, they attacked the rakshasas. The demons were in a fix. If
they did not fight with the gods, they would be slaughtered. But if
they fought with the gods, they would die because of Ourvas curse.
They decided that they would go and live in the ocean. Thanks to
the boon that Daruki had received from Parvati, the entire forest
was also submerged in the ocean and became the home of the
rakshasas. There the rakshasa lived. They did not return to earth.
But they imprisoned and
-
killed any people who travelled in boats across the ocean. In
this fashion, they once captured a vaishya (the third of the four
classes) who was devoted to Shiva. The vaishya set up a linga in
the prison and began to pray to Shiva. When the rakshasas saw this,
they attacked him with weapons so as to kill him. This vaishya was
named Supriya. Shiva gave Supriya a pashupata, a divine weapon
associated with Shiva. With this the vaishya killed many demons.
The remaining rakshasas were saved by Parvatis intervention. The
linga that Supriya worshipped is Nagesha.
Rama and Rameshvara
The eleventh of the jyotirlingas is named Rameshvara.
Ravana had kidnapped Sita and Rama looked for her everywhere. He
was aided in his search by the monkeys. The search brought them to
the shores of the ocean. While Rama was trying to decided how to
cross the ocean, he felt very thirsty. He therefore asked the
monkeys to fetch him some water. But when the water was brought,
Rama realized that he should not drink the water without first
praying to Shiva. Rama constructed a linga and worshipped it with
many fragrant flowers. Such were the powers of Ramas prayers that
Shiva, Parvati and their companions appeared before Rama. Shiva
blessed Rama and Rama requested him to stay in that place forever.
It is this linga, on the shores of the ocean, that is known as
Rameshvara.
Ghushna and Ghushnesha
The twelfth and last of the jyotirlingas is named
Ghushnesha.
To the south, there is a mountain named Deva. A brahmana named
Sudharma used to live there. His wife was called Sudeha. Husband
and wife were righteous and regularly prayed to the gods. They had
only one reason for complaint: they had no son. Sudeha was
especially disturbed at this. Other women tended to insult her
because she had no son. Sudharma decided to conduct an experiment.
He plucked two flowers and offered them in front of a sacred fire.
He mentally associated one of the flowers with having a son and
asked his wife to choose a flower. Unfortunately, his wife chose
the flower that was not associated wtih having a son. From this
Sudharma concluded that they were not going to have a son and he
did his best to console Sudeha. But Sudeha refused to be consoled,
she was miserable. Why dont you marry again? asked Sudeha. Perhaps
you will then have a son. Marry my niece Gushna. No, replied
Sudharma. You love her now because she is your niece. But if she
does
-
indeed have a son, you will become jealous and will come to hate
her. Sudeha convinced her husband that this would never happen. So
Sudharma married Ghushna. Every day, Ghushna made a hundred and one
lingas out of clay and worshipped them. When the days prayers were
over, she immersed the lingas in a pond. When one lakh lingas had
thus been worshipped, Ghushna gave birth to a handsome boy. Shiva
had taken pity on Sudharma and Ghushna. But when the son was born,
Sudehas nature changed. As her husband had warned her, she felt
jealous. She thought that Gushna got more important and she was
treated like a maid. In the middle of the night, Sudeha slew the
boy with a knife and threw the dead body into the pond. This was
the pond where the lingas had been immersed. As was her wont,
Ghushna got up in the morning and began to worship a linga. Blood
was discovered on the bed, the boy could not be found and everyone
raised the alarm. But Ghushna was not distracted by this racket and
did not leave her prayers. Shiva was so impressed with Ghushnas
devotion that he restored her son back to life. He also wished to
kill the evil Sudeha with his trident, but Gushna begged for her
aunts life and Shiva spared Sudeha. Shushnas act of forgiveness so
impressed Shiva that he wished to grant Ghushna another boon, apart
from restoring her son. Ghushna desired that Shiva might alwaysbe
present in a linga near the pond. This is known as Ghushnesha.
Arjuna and Shiva
Duryodhana robbed the Pandavas of their rightful share of the
kingdom in a game of dice. As a result of this, the Pandavas had to
spend many years in the forest. While they were in the forest,
Vedavyasa came to visit the Pandavas. Vedavyasa told them that they
should pray to Shiva. But since Arjuna was the best suited amongst
the Pandavas for worshipping Shiva, Vedvyasa taught Arjuna a
special mantra (incantation). Then he asked Arjuna to go to Mount
Indrakila and pray to Shiva there. Mount Indrakila was on the banks
of the river Bhagirathi. Arjuna went to Mount Indrakila. He made a
linga out of clay and started to pray to Shiva. The news of Arjunas
wonderful tapasya spread everywhere. Arjuna stood on one leg and
continualy chanted the mantra that Vedavyasa had taught him.
Suddenly, Arjuna saw a boar. Arjuna thought that this fierce boar
might have come to distract him from his tapasya. Alternatively, it
might be a relative of the several demons that he had killed and
therefore might wish him harm. Thinking this, Arjuna picked up his
bow and arrow and let fly an arrow at the boar. Meanwhile, Shiva
had decided to subject Arjuna to a test and he had also arrived at
the spot disgusted as a hunter. When Arjuna shot an arrow at the
boar, so did Shiva. Shivas arrow struck the boar in its
hindquarters and Arjunas arrow struck the boar in its mouth. The
boar fell down dead.
-
A dispute started between Arjuna and the hunter about who had
killed the boar. Each claimed it for his own. They began to fight.
But whatever weapons were hurled by Shiva were easily repelled all
of Arjunas weapons. When all the weapons were exhausted, the two
started to wrestle. After the fight had gone on for a while, Shiva
gave up his disguise of a hunter and displayed his true form to
Arjuna. Arjuna wa ashamed that he had been fighting with the very
person to whom he had been praying. Please forgive me, said Arjuna.
It is all right, replied Shiva. I was just trying to test you. Your
weapons have been like offerings to me, you are my devotee. Tell
me, what boon do you desire? Arjuna wanted the boon that he might
obtain glory on earth. Shiva gave Arjuna his pashupata weapon. This
was such a divine weapon that its possession made Arjuna
invincible.
Sudarshana Chakra
Sudarshana chakra (a bladed discus) was Vishnus weapon. Vishnu
received this wonderful weapon as a result of Shivas grace. Many
years ago, the demons oppressed the gods and the gods went to
Vishnu for deliverance. Vishnu said that the demons were so
powerful, that he would first have to worship Shiva if something
was to be done about the asuras. Vishnu went to Mount Kailasa and
bean to pray to Shiva. He chanted many mantras, but there was no
sign of Shiva. Shiva has a thousand names and Vishnu next started
to chant these names. Each day he chanted the thousand names and
offered a thousand lotus flowers to Shiva. Shiva decided to test
Vishnu. One day, he stole a lotus flower from the thousand that
were to be offered. When Vishnu realized that there was one lotus
flower less, he gouged out his own eye and offered it in place of
the missing lotus flower. Shiva was now pleased and appeared before
Vishnu. He offered to grant Vishnu a boon. You know that the
powerful demons have been oppressing the gods, said Vishnu. I need
a weapon to fight the demons with. Please give me a weapon. Shiva
then gave Vishnu the sudarshana chakra. And with this weapon,
Vishnu killed the demons.
Shivas Thousand Names
When the sages heard this story, they said, Romaharshana, what
are these thousand names of Shiva that you have mentioned? Relate
them to us. Romaharshana obliged. For convenience, let us list out
these thousand names in a hundred groups of ten each.
-
(1) Shiva, Hara, Mrida, Rudra, Pushkara, Pushpalochana,
Arthigamya, Sadachara, Sharva, Shambhu. (2) Maheshvara,
Chandrapida, Chandramouli, Vishva, Vishvamareshvara,
Vedantasara-sandoha, Kapali, Nilalohita, Dhyanadhara, Aparicchedya.
(3) Gouribharta, Ganeshvara, Ashtamurti, Vishvamurti,
Trivargasvargasadhana, Jnanagamya, Dridaprajna, Devadeva,
Trilochana, Vamadeva (4) Madadeva, Patu, Parivrida, Drida,
Vishvarupa, Virupaksha, Vagisha, Shuchisattama,
Sarvapramanasamvadi, Vrishanka. (5) Vrishavahana, Isha, Pinaki,
Khatvanga, Chitravesha, Chirantana, Tamohara, Mahayogi, Gopta,
Brahma. (6) Dhurjati, Kalakala, Krittivasah, Subhaga, Pranavatmaka,
Unnadhra, Purusha, Jushya, Durvasa, Purashasana. (7) Divyayudha,
Skandaguru, Parameshthi, Paratpara, Anadimadhyanidhana, Girisha,
Girijadhava, Kuberabandhu, Shrikanatha, Lokavarnottama. (8) Mridu,
Samadhivedya, Kodandi, Nilakantha, Parashvadhi, Vishalaksha,
Mrigavyadha, Suresha, Suryatapana, Dharmadhama. (9) Kshamakshetra,
Bhagavana, Bhaganetrabhida, Ugra, Pashupati, Tarkshya, Priyabhakta,
Parantapa, Data, Dayakara. (10) Daksha, Karmandi, Kamashasana,
Shmashananilaya, Suksha, Shmashanastha, Maheshvara, Lokakarta,
Mrigapati, Mahakarta. (11) Mahoushadhi, Uttara, Gopati, Gopta,
Jnanagamya, Puratana, Niti, Suniti, Shuddhatma, Soma. (12)
Somarata, Sukhi, Sompapa, Amritapa, Soumya, Mahatejah, Mahadyuti,
Tejomaya, Amritamaya, Annamaya. (13) Suhapati, Ajatashatru, Aloka,
Sambhavya, Havyavahana, Lokakara, Vedakara, Sutrakara, Sanatana,
Maharshi. (14) Kapilacharya, Vishvadipti, Vilochana, Pinakapani,
Bhudeva, Svastida, Svastikrita, Sudhi, Dhatridhama, Dhamakara. (15)
Sarvaga, Sarvagochara, Brahmasrika, Vishvasrika, Sarga, Karnikara,
Priya, Kavi, Shakha, Vishakha. (16) Goshakha, Shiva, Bhishaka,
Anuttama, Gangaplavodaka, Bhaya, Pushkala, Sthapati, Sthira,
Vijitatma. (17) Vishayatma, Bhutavahana, Sarathi, Sagana, Ganakaya,
Sukirti, Chinnasamshaya, Kamadeva, Kamapala,
Bhasmoddhulita-vigraha. (18) Bhasmapriya, Bhasmashyai, Kami, Kanta,
Kritagama, Samavarta, Nivritatma, Dharmapunja, Sadashiva,
Akalmasha. (19) Chaturvahu, Durvasa, Durasada, Durlabha, Durgama,
Durga, Sarvayudhavisharada, Adhyatmayoganilaya, Sutantu,
Tantuvardhana. (20) Shubhanga, Lokasaranga, Jagadisha, Janardana,
Bhasmashuddhikara, Meru, Ojasvi, Shuddhavigraha, Asadhya,
Sadhusadhya. (21) Bhrityamarkatarupadhrika, Hiranyareta, Pourana,
Ripujivahara, Bala,
-
Mahahrada, Mahagarta, Vyali, Siddhavrindaravandita,
Vyaghracharmambara. (22) Mahabhuta, Mahanidhi, Amritasha,
Amritavapu, Panchajanya, Prabhanjana, Panchavimshatitattvastha,
Parijata, Para-vara, Sulabha. (23) Suvrata, Shura, Brahmavedanidhi,
Nidhi, Varnashramaguru, Varni, Shatrujita, Shatrutapana, Ashrama,
Kshapana. (24) Kshama, Jnanavana, Achaleshvara,Pramanabhuta,
Durjneya, Suparna, Vayuvahana, Dhanurdhara, Dhanurveda, Gunarashi.
(25) Gunakara, Satyasatyapara, Dina, Dharmaga, Ananda,
Dharmasadhana, Anantadrishti, Danda, Damayita, Dama. (26)
Abhivadya, Mahamaya, Vishvakarma, Visharada, Vitaraga, Vinitatma,
Tapasvi, Bhutabhavana, Unmattavesha, Pracchanna . (27) Jitakama,
Ajitapriya, Kalyanaprakriti, Kalpa, Sarvalokaprajapati, Tarasvi,
Tavaka, Dhimana, Pradhanaprabhu, Avyaya. (28) Lokapala,
Antarhitatma, Kalpadi, Kamalekshana, Vedashastrarthatattvajna,
Aniyama, Niyatashraya, Chandra, Surya, Shani. (29) Ketu, Varanga,
Vidrumacchavi, Bhaktivashya, Anagha, Parabrahm-amrigavanarpana,
Adri, Adryalaya, Kanta, Paramatma. (30) Jagadguru, Sarvakarmalaya,
Tushta, Mangalya, Mangalavrita, Mahatapa, Dirghatapa, Sthavishtha,
Sthavira Dhruva. (31) Aha, Samvatsara, Vyapti, Pramana, Parmatapa,
Samvatsarakara, Mantra-pratyaya, Sarvadarshana, Aja, Sarveshvara
(32) Siddha, Mahareta, Mahabala, Yogi, Yogya, Siddhi, Mahateja,
Sarvadi, Agraha, Vasu. (33) Vasumana, Satya, Sarvapaphara, Sukirti,
Shobhana, Shrimana, Avanmanasagochara, Amritashashvata, Shanta,
Vanahasta. (34) Pratapavana, Kamandalundhara, Dhanvi, Vedanga,
Vedavita, Muni, Bhrajishnu, Bhojana, Bhokta, Lokanantha. (35)
Duradhara, Atindriya, Mahamaya, Sarvavasa, Chatushpatha, Kalayogi,
Mahanada, Mahotsaha, Mahabala, Mahabuddhi. (36) Mahavirya,
Bhutachari, Purandara, Nishachara, Pretachari, Mahashakti,
Mahadyuti, Ahirdeshyavapu, Shrimana, Sarvacharyamanogati. (37)
Vahushruta, Niyatatma, Dhruva, Adhruva, Sarvashaska,
Ojastejodyutidara, Nartaka, Nrityapriya, Nrityanitya, Prakashatma.
(38) Prakashaka, Spashtakshara, Budha, Mantra, Samana,
Sarasamplava, Yugadikrida, Yugavarta, Gambhira, Vrishavahana. (39)
Ishta, Vishishta, Shishteshta, Shalabha, Sharabha, Dhanu,
Tirtharupa, Tirthanama, Tirthadrishya, Stuta. (40) Arthada,
Apamnidhi, Adhishthana, Vijaya, Jayakalavita, Pratishthita,
Pramanajna, Hiranyakavacha, Hari, Vimochana. (41) Suragana,
Vidyesha, Vindusamshraya, Balarupa, Vikarta, Balonmatta, Gahana,
Guha, Karana, Karta.
-
(42) Sarvabandhavimochana, Vyavasaya, Vyavasthana, Sthanada,
Jagadadija, Guruda, Lalita, Abheda, Bhavatmatmasamsthita,
Vireshvara. (43) Virabhadra, Virasanavidhi, Virata, Virachudamani,
Vetta, Tivrananda, Nadidhara, Ajnadhara, Tridhuli, Shipivishta.
(44) Shivalaya, Balakhilya, Mahachapa, Tigmamshu, Badhira, Khaga,
Adhirma, Susharana, Subrahmanya, Sudhapati. (45) Maghavana,
Koushika, Gomana, Virama, Sarvasadhana, Lalataksha, Vishvadeha,
Sara, Samsarachakrabhrita, Amoghadanda. (46) Madhyastha, Hiranya,
Brahmavarchasi, Paramartha, Para, Mayi, Shambara, Vyaghralochana,
Ruchi, Virinchi. (47) Svarbandhu, Vachaspati, Aharpati, Ravi,
Virochana, Skanda, Shasta, Vaivasvata, Yama, Yukti. (48)
Unnatakirti, Sanuraga, Paranjaya, Kailashadhipati, Kanta, Savita,
Ravilochana, Vidvattama, Vitabhaya, Vishvabharta. (49) Anivarita,
Nitya, Niyatakalyana, Punyashravanakirtana, Durashrava, Vishvasaha,
Dhyeya, Duhsvapnanashana, Uttarana, Dushkritiha. (50) Vijneya,
Duhsaha, Bhava, Anadi Bhurbhuvakshi, Kiriti, Ruchirangada, Janana,
Janajanmadi, Pritimana. (51) Nitimana, Dhava, Vasishtha, Kashyapa,
Bhanu, Bhima, Bhimaparakrama, Pranava, Satpatchachara, Mahakasha.
(52) Mahaghana, Janmadhipa, Mahadeva, Sakalagamaparaga, Tattva,
Tattavit, Ekatma, Vibhu, Vishvavibhushana, Rishi. (53) Brahmana,
Aishvaryajanmamrityujaratiga, Panchayajnasamutpatti, Vishvesha,
Vimalodaya, Atmayoni, Anadyanta, Vatsala, Bhaktalokadhrika,
Gayatrivallabha. (54) Pramshu, Vishvavasa, Prabhakara,, Shishu,
Giriraha, Samrata, Sushena, Surashatruha, Amogha, Arishtanemi. (55)
Kumuda, Vigatajvara, Svayamjyoti, Tanujyoti, Achanchala, Atmajyoti,
Pingala, Kapilashmashru, Bhalanetra, Trayitanu. (56)
Jnanaskandamahaniti, Vishvotipatti, Upaplava, Bhaga, Vivasvana,
Aditya, Yogapara, Divaspati, Kalyanagunanama, Papaha. (57)
Punyadarshana, Udarakirti, Udyogi, Sadyogi, Sadasanmaya,
Nakshatramali, Nakesha, Svadhishthanapadashraya, Pavitra, Paphari.
(58) Manipura, Nabhogati, Hrit, Pundarikasina, Shatru, Shranta,
Vrishakapi, Ushna, Grihapati, Krishna. (59) Paramartha,
Anarthanashana, Adharmashatru, Ajneya, Puruhuta, Purushruta,
Brahmagarbha, Vrihadgarbha, Dharmadhenu,Dhanagama. (60)
Jagaddhitaishi, Sugata, Kumara, Kushalagama, Hiranyavarna,
Jyotishmana, Nanbhutarata, Dhvani, Araga, Nayandyaksha. (61)
Vishvamitra, Dhaneshvara, Brahmajyoti, Vasudhama,
Mahajyotianuttama, Matamaha, Matarishva, Nabhasvana,
Nagaharadhrika, Pulastya. (62) Pulaha, Agastya, Jatukarnya,
Parashara, Niravarananirvara, Vairanchya,
-
Vishtarashrava, Atmabhu, Aniruddha, Atri. (63) Jnanamurti,
Mahayasha, Lokaviragranti, Vira, Chanda, Satyaparakrama, Vyalakapa,
Mahakalpa, Kalpaviriksha, Kaladhara, (64) Alankarishnu, Achala,
Rochishnu, Vikramonnata. Ayuhshabdapati, Vegi, Plavana,
Shikhisarathi, Asamsrishta, Atithi. (65) Shatrupreamathi,
Padapasana, Vasushrava, Pratapa, Havyavaha, Vishvabhojana, Japaya,
Jaradishamana, Lohitatma, Tanunapata. (66) Vrihadashva, Nabhoyoni,
Supratika, Tamisraha, Nidagha, Tapana, Megha, Svaksha,
Parapuranjaya, Sukhanila. (67) Sunishpanna, Surabhi, Shishiratmaka,
Vasanta, Madhava, Grishma, Nabhasya, Vijavahana, Angira, Guru. (68)
Atreya, Vimala, Vishvavahana, Pavana, Sumati, Vidvana, Travidya,
Naravahana, Manobuddhi, Ahamkara. (69) Kshetrajna, Kshetrapalaka,
Jamadagni, Balanidhi, Vigala, Vishvagalava, Aghora, Anuttara,
Yajna, Shreye. (70) Nishshreyahpatha, Shaila, Gaganakundabha,
Danavari, Arindama, Rajanijanaka, Charuvishalya, Lokakalpadhrika,
Chaturveda, Chatrubhava. (71) Chatura, Chaturapriya, Amlaya,
Samamlaya, Tirthavedashivalaya, Vahurupa, Maharupa, Sarvarupa,
Charachara, Nyayanirmayaka. (72) Nyayi, Nyayagamya, Nirantara,
Sahasramurddha, Devendra, Sarvashastraprabhanjana, Munda, Virupa,
Vikranta, Dandi. (73) Danta, Gunottama, Pingalaksha, Janadhyaksha,
Nilagriva, Niramaya, Sahasravahu, Sarvesha, Sharanya,
Sarvalokadhrika. (74) Padmasana, Paramjyoti, Parampara, Paramfala,
Padmagarbha, Mahagarbha, Vishvagarbha, Vichakshana, Characharajna,
Varada. (75) Varesha, Mahabala, Devasuraguru, Deva,
Devasuramahashraya, Devadideva, Devagni, Devagnisukhada, Prabhu,
Devasureshvara. (76) Divya, Devasuramaheshvara, Devadevamaya,
Achintya, Devadevatmasambhava, Sadyoni, Asuravyaghra, Devasimha,
Divakara, Vibudhagravara. (77) Shreshtha, Sarvadevottamottama,
Shivajnanarata, Shrimana, Shikhi-shriparvatapriya, Vajrahasta,
Siddhakhadgi, Narasimhanipatana, Brahmachari, Lokachari. (78)
Dharmachari, Dhanadhipa, Nandi, Nandishvara, Ananta,
Nagnavratadhara Shuchi, Lingadhyaksha, Suradhyaksha, Yogadhyaksha.
(79) Yugavaha, Svadharma, Svargata, Svargakhara, Svaramayasvana,
Vanadhyaksha, Vijakarta, Dharmakrit, Dharmasambhava, Dambha. (80)
Alobha, Arthavit, Shambhu, Sarvahbutamaheshvara, Shmashananilaya,
Tryksha, Setu, Apratimakriti, Lokottaras-futaloka, Trymbaka. (81)
Nagabhushana, Andhakari, Makhaveshi, Vishnukandharapatana,
Hinadosha, Akshayaguna, Dakshari, Pushadantabhit, Dhurjati,
Khandaparashu.
-
(82) Sakala, Nishkala, Anagha, Akala, Sakaladhara, Pandurabha,
Mrida, Nata, Purna, Purayita, (83) Punya, Sukumara, Sulochana,
Samageyapriya, Akrura, Punyakirti, Anaymaya, Manojava, Tirthakara,
Jatila. (84) Jiviteshvara, Jivitantakara, Nitya, Vasureta,
Vasuprada, Sadgati, Satkriti, Siddhi, Sajjati, Kalakantaka. (85)
Kaladhara, Mahakala, Bhuasatyapraryana, Lokalavanyakarta,
Lokottarasukhalaya, Chandrasanjivana, Shasta, Lokaguda, Mahadhipa,
Lokabandhu. (86) Lokanatha, Kritajna, Krittibhushana, Anapaya,
Akshara, Kanta, Sarvashastrahadvara, Tejomaya, Dyutidhara,
Lokagranti. (87) Anu, Shuchismita, Prasannatma, Durjjeya,
Duratikrama, Jyotirmaya, Jagannatha, Nirakra, Jaleshvara,
Tumbavina. (88) Mahakopa, Vishoka, Shokanashana, Trllokapa,
Trilokesha, Sarvashuddhi, Adhokshaja, Avyaktalakshana, Deva,
Vyaktavyakta. (890 Vishampati, Varashila, Varaguna, Saramandhana,
Maya, Brahma, Vishnu, Prajapala, Hamsa, Hamsagati. (90) Vaya,
Vedha, Vidhata, Dhata, Srashta, Harta, Chaturmukha,
Kailasashikharavasi, Sarvavasi, Sadagati. (91) Hiranyagarbha,
Druhina, Bhutapa, Bhupati, Sadyogi, Yogavit, Yogi, Varada,
Brahmanapriya, Devapriya. (92) Devanatha, Devajna, Devachintaka,
Vishamaksha, Vishalaksha, Vrishada, Vrishavardhana, Nirmama,
Nirahamkara, Nirmoha. (93) Nirupadrava, Darpha, Darpada, Dripta,
Sarvabhutaparivartaka, Sahasrajit, Sahasrarchi, Prabhava,
Snigddhaprakriti, Sahasrarchi, Prabhava, Snigddhaprakritidakshina,
Bhutabhavyabhavannatha. (94) Bhutinashana, Artha, Anartha,
Mahakosha, Parakaryaikapandita, Nishkantaka, Kritananda, Nirvyaja,
Vyajamardana, Sattvavana. (95) Sattvika, Satyakirti,
Snehakritagama, Akampita, Gunagrahi, Naikatma, Naikakarmakrit,
Suprita, Sumukha, Suksha. (96) Sukara, Dakshinaila,
Nandiskandhadhara, Dhurya, Prakata, Pritivardhana, Aparajita,
Sarvasattva, Govinda, Adhrita. (97) Sattvavahana, Svadhrita,
Siddha, Putamurti, Yashodhana, Varahabhringadhrika, Bhringi,
Balavana, Ekanayaka, Shrutiprakasha. (98) Shrutimana, Ekabandhu,
Anekakrit, Shrivatsalashivarambha, Shantabhadra, Sama, Yasha,
Bhushaya,Bhushana, Bhuti. (99) Bhutakrit, Bhutabhavana, Akampa,
Bhaktikaya, Kalaha, Nilalohita, Satyavrata, Mahatyagi,
Nityashantiparayana, Pararthavritti. (100) Vivikshu, Visharada,
Shubhada, Shubhakarta, Shubhanama, Shubha, Anarthita, Aguna,
Sakshi, Akarta.
-
You will notice that a few of the names are repeated so that the
total number of names do not quite add up to one thousand.
Shivarati Vrata
Shivaratri is the tithi (lunar day) on which Brahma and Vishnu
had worshipped Shiva. A vrata is a special religious rite that is
performed. A vrata observed on shivaratri (the night dedicated to
Shiva) is particularly important. It brings undying punya. One
stays up at night and prays to a linga. One also has to observe a
fast. There used to be a hunter named Rurudruha. He was not at all
righteous. In fact, he was quite evil and cruel. He killed many
deer and he was also a robber and thief. Naturally, Rurudruha knew
nothing about shivaratri vrata. But it happened to be shivaratri
when the hunters parents, wife and children felt very hungry. They
asked Rurudruha to go and get some meat so that they might eat. The
hunter went to the forest to kill deer, but could not find any. It
was already evening and no game was to be seen. Rurdruha found a
water-hole and decided that he would keep a vigil there. Sooner or
later, some animal was bound to turn up. He climbed up onto a bilva
tree that was by the side of the water-hole. And in case he should
feel thirsty, he kept a pot full of water next to him. There he
waited. Soon a doe turned up to drink water. The hunter picked up
his bow and arrow. When he did so, the tree shock and a few bilva
leaves fell on a linga that was right under the tree. Bilva leaves
are sacred to Shiva. Some water spilled from the pot and also fell
on the linga. Rurudruha did not of course know this. But the doe
saw the hunter. Dont kill me right now, said the does. My children
and husband are at home. Let me go and bid them farewell. When I
return, you are welcome to kill me. The hunter was in no mood to
let the doe go. Does an animal return to be killed? But the doe
took an oath and Rurdruha let her go. After a short while, another
doe turned up to drink water. The two does were sisters and both of
them married to the same deer. As before, the tree shook and bilva
leaves and some water fell on the linga. The doe saw the hunter and
said, Wait for sometime before you kill me. Let me say goodbye to
my husband and children. The hunter was reluctant to let the doe
go. But the second doe also took an oath that she would return. So
Rurudruha decided to wait. After the doe had gone, the deer turned
up to drink water. And when the hunter picked up his bow and arrow,
bilva leaves and water again fell on the linga. The deer said,
Hunter, let me go now. I will come back and you can kill then. I
wish to bid adieu to my two wives and children. The deer also took
on oath that he would return and Rurudruha let him go. After some
time had passed, the two does and the deer came to where Rurdruha
was.
-
Each said, Kill me and spare the others. They need to stay alive
to look after the children. The baby deer had also accompanied
their parents. They said,Kill us. We dont wish to stay alive when
our parents are gone. The hunter was so surprised at these
developments that the tree shook again. Bilva leaves and water fell
on the linga.
Shiva now took pity on Rurdruha and removed all evil thoughts
from his mind. The hunter spared the deer. Shiva himself appeared
before Rurudruha and said, From now on your name will be Guha. You
will be so blessed that Rama will become your guest. This story
demonstrates that even if shivaratrivrata is performed
unconsciously, great punya is obtained.
Vedanidhi
In the city of Avanti there used to be a righteous brahmana. He
had two sons, Sunidhi and Vedanidhi. Vedanidhi was wicked. The king
of Avanti was so pleased with the brahmana that he gave him a
golden bangle as a present. The brahmana took it home and gave it
to his wife to store safely. There it was discovered by Vedanidhi.
Vedanidhi stole the ornament and gave it to a dancing-girl. It so
happened that the king was watching a dance performed by the
dancing-girl and he noticed the bangle on the girls hand. He found
out from the girl that the bangle had been given to her by
Vedanidhi. He retrieved the bangle and called the brahmana. Do you
remember the golden bangle that I had give you? said the king. Can
you please return it to me? I need it. The brahmana hurried home
and asked his wife for the bangle. But it could not be found and
they realized that it was Vedanidhi who had stolen it. Vedanidhi
was banished from his parents house. He wandered around here and
there and begged food so that he might eat. One day, he did not get
any food at all. That day happened to be shivaratri. But Vedanidhi
didnt know this. He saw several people going to Shivas temple with
all sorts of offerings, including food, in their hands. The evil
brahmana thought that he might be able to steal and eat this food.
He followed the devotees to the temple and waited till they should
fall asleep. When they did so, Vedanidhi crept up to the place
where the offerings had been placed. This was right in front of the
linga. It was very dark there and Vedanidhi could not see very
well. A lamp was burning and the shadow of the lamp fell on the
linga. Vedanidhi tore off a piece of cloth from his clothing and
stuffed it into the lamp so that it might burn better. The flame
rose and the shadow on the linga was removed. But when Vedanidhi
was about to steal the food, the devotees awoke. They gave
-
chase to the thief and shot at him with arrows. These arrow
struck Vedanidhi and he died. Yamas messengers arrived and wanted
to take the evil brahmana to hell. But Shivas companions also
arrived and they would not permit Vedanidhi to be taken to hell.
The brahmana had fasted on shivaratri day, he stay awake at night
and he had removed the shadow from the linga. These were acts of
the faithful, even if they had been performed unconsciously.
Vedanidhis sins were all forgiven.
Chandrashekhara
Parvati once asked Shiva, Lord, tell me, why do you wear a
crescent moon on your forehead? What is the story behind this?
Shiva told her the story. Earlier, Parvati had been born as Sati,
the daughter of Daksha. As Sati, she had been married to Shiva.
Since Daksha insulted her husband Shiva, Sati gave up her life.
When Sati died, Shiva no longer found pleasure in anything. He
began to live in the forest and started to perform tapasya. Such
was the power of the tapasya that any trees or mountains that were
near the place where Shiva was meditating used to be burnt into
ashes. As Shiva moved from place to place, the earth started to
burn and wither away . The gods were greatly alarmed at these
developments. They went to Brahma to seek advice as to how the
earth might be saved. Brahma, said, Let us take the moon god
Chandra with us and make a present of him to Shiva. Chandras visage
is so pleasing that Shiva may feel happy and pacified. The gods
placed Chandra in a pot of amrita (a life-giving drink). They also
had another pot that was full of poison. With these two pots they
went to Shiva and offered him the pots. Brahma said, The gods have
brought you two pots. Please accept them. Shiva first accepted the
pot that contained the amrita. As soon as he did this, the crescent
moon came out and got fixed to Shivas forehead. Next Shiva accept
the pot of poison and touched it with his middle finger. He touched
his throat with the finger and the throat became blue. That is the
reason why Shiva is known as Nilakantha, blue of throat. And
because the moon is like a crown to Shiva. Shiva is called
Chandrashekhara. At the sight of the moon, Shiva was pacified.
The Ashes
Parvati said, I understand about the moon now. But why do you
always smear ashes on your body? What is the reason for that? Shiva
told her the story. There used to be a brahmana who was descended
from the great sage Bhrigu. This brahmana began a very difficult
tapasya. The tremendous heat of the summer made
-
no difference to him. Nor was he disturbed by the downpour of
the monsoon. He was only interested in meditating. When he felt
hungry, he used to ask the bears, the deer, the lions and the
jackals to fetch him some fruits. The wild beasts had lost all fear
of him, they served him instead. Later on, the brahmana gave up
eating fruits also. He ate only green leaves. And because leaves
are called parna, the brahmana came to be known as Parnada. He
performed tapasya for many years. One day, Parnada was cutting some
grass and his scythe slipped and sliced off his middle finger.
Parnada was amazed to find that no blood issued from the severed
joint. Instead, a sap like that which issues from plants came out.
Parnadas vanity knew no bounds. He realized that his was due to the
fact that he had been living on green leaves for such long time.
Parnada began to jump with delight. Shiva decided that Parnada
needed to be taught a lesson. He disguised himself as a brahmana
and arrived before Parnada. Why are you so happy? asked Shiva. Cant
you see? replied Parnada. My tapasya has been so successful that my
blood has become like the sap of plants. This sort of vantiy
destroys the fruits of all tapasya, said Shiva. What have you got
to be so proud about? Your blood has only turned into the sap of
plants. What happens when you burn plants? They become ashes. I
myself have performed so much tapasya that my blood has becomes
ashes. Shiva sliced off his middle finger and ashes came out of it.
Parnada was impressed. He realized that there was nothing that he
could be proud about; here was a far greater hermit than he. He
asked Shiva who he was and Shiva then displayed his true form to
Parnada. Ever since that day, there have always been ashes on
Shivas body.
Nandi
There was a sage named Shilada. He once saw that his ancestors
were being tortured in hell. When he tried to find out why this was
so, he was told that htis was because Shilada did not yet have a
son. To obtain a son, Shilada began to pray to Shiva. He prayed for
a thousand years. At the end of the tapasya, Shiva appeared and
offered to grant Shilada a boon. Shilada wanted the boon that he
might have a virtuous son. A few days later, when Shilada was
ploughing the land, he discovered a baby boy on the blade of
theplough. The boy was as bright as the sun and the fire. Shilada
was frightened and started to run away. But the boy called after
him, Father, stop. Father, stop, A voice was then heard from the
sky. This voice told Shilada that this was the son he had wanted.
Since this son would make everyone happy, he was to be named Nandi.
Shilada brought nandi home to his mermitage. He taught his son the
Vedas, the arts
-
of the medicine and fighting, dancing and singing and several
other sacred texts. All this Nandi mastered within fifteen days.
When nandi was seven years old, two powerful sages arrived in
Shiladas hermitage. Their names were Mitra and Varuna. Shilada
worshipped them and presented Nandi before them. The sages blessed
Nandi with the words, Be learned, be faithful to your teacher.
Shilada said, Sages, why didnt you bless my son with a long life?
We couldnt, replied the sages. Your son is going to die when he is
eight years old. That is written in his stars. Shilada was
crestfallen to hear this, but Nandi consoled his father. He
promised his father that he would do something so tha this fate
would have to be rewritten. He would pray to Shiva. And when he met
Shiva, he would ask of him a boon. Meeting Shiva, exclaimed
Shilada. I had to meditate for a thousand years before I could get
to meet Shiva. How do you expect to meet Shiva in the one year tha
tis left to you? Wait and see, father, replied Nandi. Shiva is
difficult to meet if you only perform tapasya or thirst for
knowledge. The secret lies in faith and devotion. I will manage.
There is a river named Bhuvana. Nandi entered this river and began
underwater prayers to Shiva . His efforts pleased Shiva so much
that Shiva appeared before him. What boon do you want? asked Shiva.
Please grant me the boon that I may be devote to you, replied
Nandi. I dont want to be born become old and die. Shiva granted
Nandi the boon tha the and his father would get to live in Shivas
residence in Shivaloka. Shivas companions are known as ?ganas.
Shiva made Nandi ganapati, the chief of the ganas and retained him
as a perpetu ? companion. Shiva also gave Nandi a wonderful garland
to wear. As soon as he put this garland on, Nandi became
resplendent with three eyes and ten hands.
Time
The smallest unit of time is nimesha. This is the amount of time
it takes to blink. Fifteen nimeshas make one kashtha and thirty
kashthas are one kala. Thirty kalas make one muhurta and thirty
muhurtas are one day. Thirty days are one month. Each month is
divided into two lunar fortnights, shukapaksha and krishnapaksha.
Six months are called an ayana. There are thus two ayanas in a
year. Three hundred and sixty human years are equivalent to one
year for the gods. The lengths of the four yugas (eras) are defined
in terms of years of the gods, not in terms of human years. There
are four eras and their names are kritayuga or satyayuga,
tretayuga, dvaparayuga and kaliyuga. Satyayuga lasts for four
thousand divine years, tretayuga for three thousand, dvaparayuga
for two thousand and kaliyuga for one thousand. This adds up to ten
thousand divine years. The sandhyas
-
and sandhyamshas are the intervening periods between the yugas
and these add up to two thousand divine years. Thus, the four yugas
taken together last for twelve thouand divine years. In a kalpa
(cycle), each of the four yugas occurs a thousand times. A kalpa
has fourteen manvantaras (eras). In a manvantara, each of the four
yugas thus occurs seventy one times. One kalpa corresponds to one
day for Brahma. One thousand kalpas are one of Brahmas years and
eight thousand of Brahmas years make one of Brahmas yugas. One
thousand such yugas make up one savana and Brahma lives for three
thousand savanas. This period is known as a trivrita. During each
of Vishnus days, one Brahma is born and dies. And during each of
Shivas days, one Vishnu is born and dies.
Daksha Yajna
The sages aid, Romaharshana, you have not told us the story of
the quarrel between Daksha and Shiva which led to Satis death. You
have only mentioned it in passing. Tell us the story now.
Romaharshana related the following story. Dakshas daughter Sati was
married to Shiva. One day, the gods, the demons and the sages went
to visit Shiva and Sati in the Himalyas. Daksha accompanied the
other gods on this visit. When the gods arrived, Shiva was seated
and did not get up. He showed no special honour to Daksha because
Daksha happened to be his father-in-law. Daksha